The Lab School Academy offers a specialized curriculum emphasizing creative problem-solving, design thinking, and innovation. Students prepare for college-level work while being equipped with essential skills for the future, instilling a sense of community, empathy, and the importance of giving back through structured service activities.
At SNU Lab School, we are committed to redefining academic success through an innovative, student-centered learning environment. Our hands-on, project-based service-learning pedagogy transcends conventional educational models by prioritizing mastery and real-world application over traditional grading systems.
Our educational model is rooted in the belief that true learning is a continuous, active process. By integrating hands-on projects with service-learning opportunities, we enable our students to engage deeply with the material, applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. This approach not only enhances understanding and retention but also fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork.
Rather than relying on traditional grades, SNU Lab School employs a mastery-based assessment system that evaluates students on their proficiency in clearly defined learning objectives. This method ensures that all students achieve a deep understanding of the subject matter before progressing. Mastery-based assessment is comprehensive and adaptive, accommodating individual learning paces and styles, ensuring that each student can demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the fullest extent.
Our curriculum is meticulously designed to meet and exceed the 15-unit core curricular requirements as outlined by higher education institutions, including SNU. Each unit is embedded within broader, interdisciplinary projects that allow students to explore English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies in an integrated, applied context. These projects not only cover the necessary academic content but also enhance students' understanding by connecting classroom learning to real-life applications.
To communicate our students’ achievements in a manner that resonates with higher education admissions, SNU Lab School provides detailed portfolios that document mastery of core competencies. These portfolios include comprehensive records of projects, assessments, and reflections that collectively demonstrate each student's proficiency across required academic areas. They serve as a robust alternative to traditional GPA, offering a deeper insight into the student's capabilities and readiness for college-level work.
SNU Lab School's unique educational approach prepares students not just for college admission but for lifelong learning and success. By focusing on mastery and application through project-based, service-oriented pedagogy, we equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to thrive in higher education and beyond.
In the Lower Academy, students begin an important journey of intellectual and creative exploration that is key to their personal and academic growth. Our curriculum, emphasizing creative problem-solving, design thinking, and innovation, aims to nurture innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, preparing them for college-level work and essential life skills.
Our expert teachers guide students through this developmental phase with a program that balances independence with advanced learning challenges, creating a supportive environment. The variety of teachers and teaching styles in the Lower Academy strengthens teacher-student relationships, encouraging students to confidently engage in discussions and express their ideas, building a resilient and inquisitive intellectual character.
Students also enjoy the freedom to choose from arts and elective courses, allowing them to explore and develop their interests and talents. Integral to the Lower Academy experience is our commitment to community and service, with structured activities that foster a sense of empathy and a dedication to giving back, connecting them with the diverse community of Oklahoma City.
Anticipated Launch date: August 2025
The Upper Academy will partner with SNU undergraduate programs to offer college credit courses, allowing students to get a head start on their higher education journey. Students also develop a greater sense of their purpose through developing a service-oriented portfolio that focuses on academic excellence, leadership, and preparing students for success in college and beyond.